Woodbine Bend Golf Course

Woodbine Bend Golf Course sits in the rolling terrain of northwestern Illinois near Stockton, a small town in Jo Daviess County roughly twenty miles from the Mississippi River. Designed by Bob Lohmann, a Midwest-based architect known for his work on public and daily-fee courses throughout the region, the layout takes advantage of the area's natural topography. The course occupies land characterized by the gentle hills and wooded corridors typical of this part of Illinois, where agricultural fields transition into more varied terrain as the landscape approaches the river bluffs to the west. The routing works through a mix of open and tree-lined holes, with elevation changes that provide visual interest and strategic variety. Lohmann's design approach here emphasizes playability for a range of skill levels while incorporating the natural contours and vegetation into the shot values. The course serves both local residents and visitors exploring the scenic Galena-area region, which draws tourists for its historic architecture and outdoor recreation. Woodbine Bend operates as a public facility, offering straightforward golf in a rural setting without the formality of a private club environment. The course reflects the character of many Midwest daily-fee designs from its era: accessible green fees, a focus on maintaining playable conditions, and a layout that respects the land's natural features rather than imposing dramatic manufactured elements. It provides a representative example of regional golf architecture serving communities outside major metropolitan areas.